The Latest Analytical Techniques for PFAS Monitoring
Poster
Published: June 23, 2023
PFAS
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent and bioaccumulative in our environment. They have also been associated with numerous negative health effects and are thought to be harmful to wildlife.
Accurate PFAS monitoring that facilitates compliance with the latest regulatory guidelines is essential for ensuring the safety of our foods and water systems. Yet, the diversity and low-level concentration of PFAS contaminants can present analytical challenges.
This poster compilation outlines the latest LC-MS/MS and QTOF MS methods for accurate environmental monitoring.
Download this collection of posters to learn more about:
- The latest, optimized methods for PFAS identification in various complex matrices
- Sensitive solutions to detect a broad range of contaminants in single sample workflows
- EPA compliant approaches to swift and easy environmental monitoring
Untargeted PFAS identification and targeted PFAS library screening workflows for groundwater analysis using a QTOF mass spectrometer
Ethan Hain, Om Shrestha, Kathleen Luo, Christopher Gilles, Evelyn Wang, Xiaomeng Xia, Robert English, Tiffany Liden
Shimadzu Scientific Instruments, 7102 Riverwood Dr., Columbia, MD 21046 U.S.A.
WP 304
Table of LC and LCMS parameters Introduction
Per- and poly-fluoroalkylated substances (PFAS) have garnered increasing
regulatory and public health interest as a result of the widespread
occurrence and validated toxicity of these emerging contaminants. Although
there are several specific PFAS that are currently being regulated on a
federal and state level, there are potentially thousands of different PFAS that
may exist in the environment. The toxicity associated with each of these
individual PFAS will drive regulations; therefore, the identification of novel
PFAS is a critical primary step in documenting the need for individual PFAS
regulations. Once novel PFAS are characterized, these analytes of interest
can be quickly identified in environmental matrices (e.g., groundwater)
through targeted screening for easier monitoring.
Structures of PFAS studied.
A neat standard and spiked groundwater sample containing the 40 PFAS from
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Method 1633 were chromatographically separated
using a Shim-pack Scepter C18-120 column (2.1 × 100 mm; 3 μm) with a Shim-pack
Scepter C18-120 delay column (2.1 × 50 mm; 3 μm) and mobile phases of 5 mM
ammonium acetate in water and methanol (no additives) at a flow rate of 0.25 mL/min. Data
were acquired on a Shimadzu LCMS-9030 quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer
using a negative mode MS scan ranging from 40-950 m/z, targeted MS/MS scans based off
of target analyte m/z, and data-independent acquisition (DIA) MS/MS scans of a variable
precursor isolation width and collision energy spread of 5-55 V. LabSolutions and
LabSolutions Insight Explore software were used to obtain the data and perform data
analyses.
Methods
Conclusions
The 40 PFAS from EPAM1633 were used to generate a library from a single
mixture, and then were confirmed to function for targeted library screening and
untargeted identification in groundwater using the Insight Explore Assign
function. Disclaimer: All content contained herein resulted solely from Shimadzu, and no conflict of interest exists. The products and applications are intended for Research Use Only (RUO). Not for use in diagnostic procedures.
Nexera LC LCMS-9030
Flow Rate: 0.25 mL/min Nebulizing Gas: 3 L/min
Oven Temp.: 45 °C Drying Gas: 5 L/min
Injection Vol.: 1 µL Heating Gas: 15 L/min
Mobile Phase: A: 5 mM Ammonium acetate in water
B: Methanol
Desolvation
Temp.: 160 °C
Delay Column: Shim-pack Scepter C18-120 (2.1 × 50 mm; 3
μm) DL Temp.: 150 °C
Analytical Column: Shim-pack Scepter C18-120 (2.1 × 100 mm;
3 μm)
Heat Block
Temp.: 250 °C
Time Course:
0 min %B = 5; 1 min %B = 40; 8 min %B =
95; 8.1 min %B = 100; 13 min %B = 100;
13.1 min %B = 5; 18 min %B = 5
Interface Temp: 100 °C
Probe Position: +1 mm
Interface: ESI
Name Formula Theoretical
m/z
Acquired
m/z
Mass Error
(ppm)
Found
RT
RT
Diff. Lib. SI
11Cl-PF3OUdS C10HClF20O4S 630.8892 630.8876 -2.504 8.726 0.04 100
3:3 FTCA C6H5F7O2 241.0105 241.0095 -4.025 5.143 0.02 94
4:2 FTS C6H5F9O3S 326.9743 326.9732 -3.272 5.909 0.03 94
5:3 FTCA C8H5F11O2 341.0041 341.0034 -2.023 6.847 0.03 97
6:2 FTS C8H5F13O3S 426.9679 426.9670 -2.084 7.288 0.05 100
7:3 FTCA C10H5F15O2 440.9977 440.9967 -2.449 7.966 0.04 98
8:2 FTS C10H5F17O3S 526.9615 526.9604 -2.220 8.235 0.03 99
9Cl-PF3ONS C8HClF16O4S 530.8956 530.8945 -1.997 8.011 0.04 94
ADONA C7H2F12O4 376.9689 376.9680 -2.334 6.779 0.03 100
FOSA C8H2F17NO2S 497.9462 497.9450 -2.510 8.638 0.02 100
HFPO-DA C6HF11O3 284.9779 284.9772 -2.421 6.221 0.04 97
NEtFOSA C10H6F17NO2S 525.9775 525.9761 -2.662 9.564 0.01 100
NEtFOSAA C12H8F17NO4S 583.9830 583.9816 -2.363 8.600 0.03 93
NEtFOSE C12H10F17NO3S 630.0249 630.0233 -2.492 9.533 0.01 100
NFDHA C5HF9O4 294.9658 294.9646 -4.272 5.852 0.03 97
NMeFOSA C9H4F17NO2S 511.9619 511.9608 -2.070 9.358 0.01 100
NMeFOSAA C11H6F17NO4S 569.9673 569.9660 -2.281 8.426 0.04 95
NMeFOSE C11H8F17NO3S 616.0092 616.0079 -2.143 9.332 0.01 100
PFBA C4HF7O2 212.9792 212.9785 -3.146 4.038 0.02 93
PFBS C4HF9O3S 298.9430 298.9424 -2.107 5.236 0.02 100
PFDA C10HF19O2 512.9600 512.9585 -3.100 8.220 0.04 89
PFDoA C12HF23O2 612.9537 612.9520 -2.773 8.909 0.05 90
PFDoS C12HF25O3S 698.9174 698.9158 -2.332 9.149 0.05 100
PFDS C10HF21O3S 598.9238 598.9225 -2.204 8.558 0.04 100
PFEESA C4HF9O4S 314.9379 314.9372 -2.350 5.602 0.03 99
PFHpA C7HF13O2 362.9696 362.9688 -2.369 6.704 0.04 92
PFHpS C7HF15O3S 448.9334 448.9325 -2.027 7.289 0.03 100
PFHxA C6HF11O2 312.9728 312.9720 -2.460 5.993 0.04 93
PFHxS C6HF13O3S 398.9366 398.9360 -1.404 6.707 0.03 100
PFMBA C5HF9O3 278.9709 278.9701 -2.904 5.400 0.03 94
PFMPA C4HF7O3 228.9741 228.9735 -2.489 4.456 0.02 100
PFNA C9HF17O2 462.9632 462.9620 -2.592 7.798 0.04 88
PFNS C9HF19O3S 548.9270 548.9256 -2.587 8.200 0.04 100
PFOA C8HF15O2 412.9664 412.9657 -1.768 7.291 0.04 97
PFOS C8HF17O3S 498.9302 498.9290 -2.465 7.779 0.04 100
PFPeA C5HF9O2 262.9760 262.9751 -3.422 5.112 0.03 92
PFPeS C5HF11O3S 348.9398 348.9388 -2.780 6.045 0.03 100
PFTeDA C14HF27O2 712.9473 712.9452 -2.875 9.433 0.06 98
PFTrDA C13HF25O2 662.9505 662.9491 -2.006 9.188 0.05 97
PFUnA C11HF21O2 562.9568 562.9553 -2.665 8.593 0.04 98
EPAM1633PFAS Library EPAM1633 PFAS spiked into groundwater (15.625-390 ppb) and identified by DIA.
EPAM1633 PFAS were identified by targeted library screening and untargeted analysis.
Sample information
such as filenames,
sample names, sample
type, and flags are
shown in the sample
list.
Compound details of
the highlighted
compound, including
chromatogram,
theoretical (top) and
actual (bottom) MS and
MS/MS spectrum and
structure.
The Assign function can
be used to search
ChemSpider or
PubChem based off the
acquired mass or a
formula.
Acquired MS/MS
spectra are compared
and fragments are
assigned with relevant
structures and formula.
The compound table
shows the name,
formula, theoretical and
acquired precursor m/z,
mass error, many more
compound specific
parameters.
Structure of
the
highlighted
library
compound.
MS/MS
spectrum of
the
highlighted
library
compound.
Library
information
including
CAS #,
formula, RT,
and CE
spread.
Analysis of Per- and Poly-fluoroalkylated Substances (PFAS) Specified in EPA Method 1633 Using Triple Quadrupole LC-MS/MS
Om Shrestha, Ethan Hain, Kathleen Luo, Christopher Gilles, Evelyn Wang, Xiaomeng Xia, Robert English, Tiffany Liden , Samantha Olendorff
Shimadzu Scientific Instruments, 7102 Riverwood Dr., Columbia, MD 21046 U.S.A.
Disclaimer: All content contained herein resulted solely from Shimadzu, and no conflict of interest exists. The products and
applications in this presentation are intended for Research Use Only (RUO). Not for use in diagnostic procedures.
2. Introduction
The growing importance of per and poly-fluoroalkylated substances (PFAS) as a
global public health threat is driving regulatory action. The EPA has developed
methods for the measurement of PFAS in various matrices, such as Draft Method
1633 (EPA1633), which describes the analysis of forty PFAS in wastewater, solids,
biosolids, and tissue samples.
If wastewater becomes regulated, treatment utilities will be required to adopt
methods such as EPA1633 which have been validated for analysis of PFAS in
complex wastewater matrices. EPA1633 is currently in the third draft, which lists low
detection and reporting limits for wastewater that may result in EPA establishing
permit limits that will challenge existing water systems. Laboratories will need to
measure at these low method reporting limits, and perhaps even lower to provide
utilities a higher confidence in the results at these concentrations.
1. Overview
A triple quadrupole mass spectrometer was used to quantify per- and polyfluoroalkylated substances (PFAS) to meet the requirements set by the EPA
1633 draft method.
4. Results
LabSolutions Insight software was used to efficiently review and analyze the data (see Figure 3).The signalto-noise ratio for all PFAS at LOQ concentrations were above 10. The calibration range has the linearly of 0.99
or greater with %RSE of <20%. The IDL was calculated using 10 replicates of spiked ultrapure water samples.
The theoretical MDL was calculated based on an assumption of 100% extraction efficiency and a
concentration factor of 100X; these conditions may vary with laboratory environment, sample matrix, and
analyst extraction proficiency. The Shimadzu LCMS-8060NX was not only able to meet EPA 1633 draft but
was able to detect much lower concentrations.
ThP 073
3. Method
The instrument was calibrated according to the method using the Calibration
Standards listed in Table 2 (Wellington PFAC) and verified to meet the performance
criteria of EPA1633. The forty PFAS listed in EPA1633 were chromatographically
separated on a Shim-pack Scepter C18 column (50 x 2.1 mm, 3 μm) by gradient
elution using 2 mM ammonium acetate in water and acetonitrile (no additives) as
the mobile phases at a flow rate of 0.4 mL/min (Figure 1). A Shimadzu GIST C18
column (50 × 3 mm, 5 µm) was used as a delay column to reduce the system PFAS
interferences. Multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) analysis was performed on a
Shimadzu LCMS-8060NX triple quadrupole mass spectrometer with neat standards
of the forty PFAS listed in EPAM1633 ranging from 0.3 ppt to 625 ppb. LabSolutions
and LabSolutions Insight software were used to obtain the data and perform data
analyses.
Acronym Precursor
m/Z
Ref.(1)
m/z
Ref.(2)
m/z Ret. Time %RSE LOQ
(ng/mL)
EPA LOQ
(ng/mL)
IDL
(ng/mL)
n=10
Theoretic
al MDL
(ng/L)
EPA
Pooled
MDL
(ng/L)
PFBA 212.98 168.90 N/A 2.16 11 0.0250 0.80 0.004 0.041 0.800
PFMPA 228.97 85.00 N/A 2.42 10 0.0125 0.40 0.053 0.526 0.540
3:3 FTCA 241.01 177.00 117.00 2.53 11 0.1248 1.00 0.053 0.526 2.540
PFPeA 262.98 219.00 N/A 2.91 9 0.0125 0.40 0.003 0.028 0.530
PFMBA 278.97 85.00 N/A 3.19 10 0.0250 0.40 0.003 0.025 0.530
4:2 FTS 326.97 307.00 80.90 3.50 10 0.1000 0.80 0.027 0.267 1.740
NFDHA 294.97 201.15 85.00 3.70 11 0.0063 0.40 0.005 0.049 1.920
PFHxA 312.97 269.00 119.10 3.80 11 0.0125 0.20 0.004 0.037 0.480
PFBS 298.94 80.10 99.10 3.88 12 0.0125 0.20 0.009 0.092 0.370
HFPO-DA 328.97 169.00 118.90 4.12 12 0.0125 0.80 0.007 0.067 1.540
5:3 FTCA 341.00 237.10 217.10 4.20 12 0.0780 5.00 0.055 0.552 9.920
PFEESA 314.94 134.85 N/A 4.34 10 0.0063 0.40 0.001 0.007 0.790
PFHpA 362.97 319.00 169.00 4.67 10 0.0125 0.20 0.002 0.023 0.390
PFPeS 348.94 80.00 99.00 4.87 14 0.0125 0.20 0.010 0.098 0.530
ADONA 376.97 250.90 84.80 4.98 12 0.0063 0.80 0.002 0.019 1.470
6:2 FTS 426.97 407.00 81.00 5.14 9 0.0250 0.80 0.013 0.132 2.520
PFHxS 398.94 80.10 99.10 5.47 11 0.0125 0.20 0.008 0.079 0.560
PFOA 412.97 369.00 169.00 5.48 11 0.0250 0.20 0.008 0.076 0.550
7:3 FTCA 441.00 317.00 337.00 5.83 11 0.0790 5.00 0.066 0.657 9.140
PFNA 462.96 418.90 219.00 6.25 11 0.0125 0.20 0.004 0.036 0.460
PFHpS 448.93 80.00 99.00 6.61 11 0.0125 0.20 0.010 0.095 0.870
8:2 FTS 526.96 506.95 81.05 6.63 12 0.1000 0.80 0.036 0.358 2.580
NMeFOSAA 569.97 483.00 419.00 6.95 15 0.0250 0.20 0.019 0.186 1.040
PFDA 512.96 469.00 269.05 7.00 16 0.0250 0.20 0.038 0.379 0.530
NEtFOSAA 583.98 418.95 482.95 7.25 19 0.0500 0.20 0.050 0.501 0.800
PFOS 498.93 80.00 99.05 7.40 10 0.0250 0.20 0.015 0.147 0.640
PFUnA 564.97 518.95 269.00 7.72 14 0.0250 0.20 0.007 0.069 0.440
9Cl-PF3ONS 530.90 351.00 83.10 7.96 10 0.0063 0.80 0.002 0.021 1.420
PFNS 548.93 80.05 99.00 8.15 11 0.0125 0.20 0.009 0.092 0.490
PFDoA 612.95 569.00 433.10 8.36 11 0.0125 0.20 0.007 0.074 0.370
PFOSA 497.95 78.05 168.90 8.53 15 0.0031 0.20 0.004 0.040 0.320
PFDS 598.92 80.05 98.95 8.63 11 0.0125 0.20 0.005 0.052 0.900
PFTrDA 662.95 619.00 168.95 8.74 10 0.0125 0.20 0.003 0.032 0.460
11Cl-PF3OUdS 630.89 451.00 452.95 8.87 12 0.0063 0.80 0.004 0.041 1.780
PFTeDA 712.95 668.90 169.00 9.02 11 0.0125 0.20 0.004 0.041 0.510
PFDoS 698.92 80.00 98.95 9.19 13 0.0125 0.20 0.006 0.060 0.640
NMeFOSE 555.99 58.95 N/A 9.26 12 0.0156 2.00 0.010 0.101 3.930
NMeFOSA 511.96 169.05 219.10 9.36 19 0.0250 0.20 0.032 0.317 0.410
NEtFOSE 570.00 59.05 N/A 9.45 10 0.0156 2.00 0.006 0.063 5.130
The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for CS1 was well above 10 for all analytes, easily
meeting the method’s sensitivity requirements. To determine how much lower in
concentration each of the instruments can detect, we serially diluted and analyzed
CS1. PFAS were detected at or below the limits of quantitation (LOQ) established
in EPA1633 in neat standards These data are shown in Table 2.
Silanized glass vials and silicone/polyethylene polymer caps were used to hold
PFAS standards which significantly reduced PFAS interferences compared to
other materials. Shimadzu LabSolutions Insight LCMS software was used to
quickly process the data and determine that the sensitivity would meet the
performance criteria of EPA1633 (e.g., confirm the relative standard error and
relative standard deviation were less than 20%).
2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 7.0 8.0 9.0 min
0
500000
1000000
1500000
2000000
2500000
3000000
LCMS-8060NX Parameters LC Parameters
Ion source ESI Ion Focus Column Shimadzu Scepter C18,
2.1 × 50 mm, 3 µm
Nebulizing gas 3.0 L/min Flow rate 0.4 mL/min
Heating gas 15.0 L/min Mobile phase A 2mM Ammonium
Acetate in Water
Drying gas 5.0 L/min Mobile phase B Acetonitrile
Interface Temperature 190 °C Injection volume 1 µL
DL Temperature 200°C Column oven
temperature
40 °C
Heat Block
Temperature 300°C Diluent
Methanol with 4%
water, 1% ammonium
hydroxide and 0.625%
acetic acid
Table 1. Summary of LCMS method parameters
Q 212.9000>168.9000 (-) 4.63e5
RT (min)
2.0 2.2 2.4
0.0e0
1.0e5
2.0e5
3.0e5
4.0e5
Conc.Ratio
0 100 200
Area Ratio
0
10
20
30 y = 0.1300997x + 0.007354381
R² = 0.9911610 R = 0.9955707
Q 241.0000>177.0000 (-) 2.40e5
RT (min)
2.2 2.4 2.6
0.0e0
5.0e4
1.0e5
1.5e5
2.0e5
Conc.Ratio
0 200
Area Ratio
0
1
2
3:3 FTCA
y = 0.009562491x + 0.0001144136
R² = 0.9932052 R = 0.9965968
Q 327.0000>307.0000 (-) 7.11e4
RT (min)
3.2 3.4 3.6
0.0e0
2.0e4
4.0e4
6.0e4
Conc.Ratio
0 10 20
Area Ratio
0
2
4
4-2 FTS
y = 0.2886572x + 0.01306672
R² = 0.9905024 R = 0.9952399
Q 285.0000>169.0000 (-) 2.99e6
RT (min)
3.8 4.0 4.2
0.0e0
1.0e6
2.0e6
Conc.Ratio
0 100 200
Area Ratio
0
10
20
30
40 HFPO-DA
y = 0.1888084x + 0.001658244
R² = 0.9907273 R = 0.9953528
Q 412.9000>169.0000 (-) 4.76e5
RT (min)
5.2 5.4
0.0e0
1.0e5
2.0e5
3.0e5
4.0e5
Conc.Ratio
0 25 50
Area Ratio
0
5
10
PFOA
y = 0.2150613x + 0.008414333
R² = 0.9915872 R = 0.9957847
Q 498.9500>80.0000 (-) 1.04e5
RT (min)
7.0 7.2 7.4 7.6 7.8
0.0e0
2.5e4
5.0e4
7.5e4
1.0e5
Conc.Ratio
0 25 50
Area Ratio
0
20
40
PFOS
y = 0.8785163x + 0.02294125
R² = 0.9975630 R = 0.9987807
Q 398.9500>80.1000 (-) 8.19e4
RT (min)
5.0 5.2 5.4 5.6 5.8
0.0e0
2.0e4
4.0e4
6.0e4
8.0e4
Conc.Ratio
0 25 50
Area Ratio
0
5
10
15
20 PFHxS
y = 0.3711037x + 0.001718047
R² = 0.9913654 R = 0.9956733
Q 298.9000>80.1000 (-) 6.16e5
RT (min)
3.6 3.8 4.0
0.0e0
2.0e5
4.0e5
6.0e5
Conc. Ratio
0 25 50
Area Ratio
0
10
20
30
PFBS
y = 0.5829727x - 0.0001142251
R² = 0.9923528 R = 0.9961690
PFBA 3:3 FTCA
4-2 FTS HFPO-DA
PFOA PFOS
PFHxS PFBS
5. Conclusions
The Shimadzu LCMS-8060NX was easily able to meet the LOQ requirements set by the EPA 1633
3rd draft method and Shimadzu LabSolutions Insight was used to efficiently process the acquired
data. This processing software calculated %RSD, SNR, and %RSE as required by EPA 1633.
Figure 1. Chromatograms of 1633 PFAS analytes with non- and
extracted internal standards
Figure 2. Examples of PFAS chromatograms and respective calibration curves
Table 2. Summary of LCMS acquisition parameters and performance for EPAM1633 standards.
Figure 3. Screenshot of EPAM1633 data in LabSolutions Insight software.
Reference
United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water. 3rd Draft Method 1633 Analysis of Per- and
Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Aqueous, Solid, Biosolids, and Tissue Samples by LC/MS/MS, 2022.
https://nepis.epa.gov/Exe/ZyPURL.cgi?Dockey=P101687F.txt (accessed June 1, 2023)
Analysis of Per- and Poly-fluoroalkylated Substances (PFAS) Specified in EPA Method 1633 Using Triple Quadrupole LC-MS/MS
Om Shrestha, Ethan Hain, Kathleen Luo, Christopher Gilles, Evelyn Wang, Xiaomeng Xia, Robert English, Tiffany Liden , Samantha Olendorff
Shimadzu Scientific Instruments, 7102 Riverwood Dr., Columbia, MD 21046 U.S.A.
Disclaimer: All content contained herein resulted solely from Shimadzu, and no conflict of interest exists. The products and
applications in this presentation are intended for Research Use Only (RUO). Not for use in diagnostic procedures.
2. Introduction
The growing importance of per and poly-fluoroalkylated substances (PFAS) as a
global public health threat is driving regulatory action. The EPA has developed
methods for the measurement of PFAS in various matrices, such as Draft Method
1633 (EPA1633), which describes the analysis of forty PFAS in wastewater, solids,
biosolids, and tissue samples.
If wastewater becomes regulated, treatment utilities will be required to adopt
methods such as EPA1633 which have been validated for analysis of PFAS in
complex wastewater matrices. EPA1633 is currently in the third draft, which lists low
detection and reporting limits for wastewater that may result in EPA establishing
permit limits that will challenge existing water systems. Laboratories will need to
measure at these low method reporting limits, and perhaps even lower to provide
utilities a higher confidence in the results at these concentrations.
1. Overview
A triple quadrupole mass spectrometer was used to quantify per- and polyfluoroalkylated substances (PFAS) to meet the requirements set by the EPA
1633 draft method.
4. Results
LabSolutions Insight software was used to efficiently review and analyze the data (see Figure 3).The signalto-noise ratio for all PFAS at LOQ concentrations were above 10. The calibration range has the linearly of 0.99
or greater with %RSE of <20%. The IDL was calculated using 10 replicates of spiked ultrapure water samples.
The theoretical MDL was calculated based on an assumption of 100% extraction efficiency and a
concentration factor of 100X; these conditions may vary with laboratory environment, sample matrix, and
analyst extraction proficiency. The Shimadzu LCMS-8060NX was not only able to meet EPA 1633 draft but
was able to detect much lower concentrations.
ThP 073
3. Method
The instrument was calibrated according to the method using the Calibration
Standards listed in Table 2 (Wellington PFAC) and verified to meet the performance
criteria of EPA1633. The forty PFAS listed in EPA1633 were chromatographically
separated on a Shim-pack Scepter C18 column (50 x 2.1 mm, 3 μm) by gradient
elution using 2 mM ammonium acetate in water and acetonitrile (no additives) as
the mobile phases at a flow rate of 0.4 mL/min (Figure 1). A Shimadzu GIST C18
column (50 × 3 mm, 5 µm) was used as a delay column to reduce the system PFAS
interferences. Multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) analysis was performed on a
Shimadzu LCMS-8060NX triple quadrupole mass spectrometer with neat standards
of the forty PFAS listed in EPAM1633 ranging from 0.3 ppt to 625 ppb. LabSolutions
and LabSolutions Insight software were used to obtain the data and perform data
analyses.
Acronym Precursor
m/Z
Ref.(1)
m/z
Ref.(2)
m/z Ret. Time %RSE LOQ
(ng/mL)
EPA LOQ
(ng/mL)
IDL
(ng/mL)
n=10
Theoretic
al MDL
(ng/L)
EPA
Pooled
MDL
(ng/L)
PFBA 212.98 168.90 N/A 2.16 11 0.0250 0.80 0.004 0.041 0.800
PFMPA 228.97 85.00 N/A 2.42 10 0.0125 0.40 0.053 0.526 0.540
3:3 FTCA 241.01 177.00 117.00 2.53 11 0.1248 1.00 0.053 0.526 2.540
PFPeA 262.98 219.00 N/A 2.91 9 0.0125 0.40 0.003 0.028 0.530
PFMBA 278.97 85.00 N/A 3.19 10 0.0250 0.40 0.003 0.025 0.530
4:2 FTS 326.97 307.00 80.90 3.50 10 0.1000 0.80 0.027 0.267 1.740
NFDHA 294.97 201.15 85.00 3.70 11 0.0063 0.40 0.005 0.049 1.920
PFHxA 312.97 269.00 119.10 3.80 11 0.0125 0.20 0.004 0.037 0.480
PFBS 298.94 80.10 99.10 3.88 12 0.0125 0.20 0.009 0.092 0.370
HFPO-DA 328.97 169.00 118.90 4.12 12 0.0125 0.80 0.007 0.067 1.540
5:3 FTCA 341.00 237.10 217.10 4.20 12 0.0780 5.00 0.055 0.552 9.920
PFEESA 314.94 134.85 N/A 4.34 10 0.0063 0.40 0.001 0.007 0.790
PFHpA 362.97 319.00 169.00 4.67 10 0.0125 0.20 0.002 0.023 0.390
PFPeS 348.94 80.00 99.00 4.87 14 0.0125 0.20 0.010 0.098 0.530
ADONA 376.97 250.90 84.80 4.98 12 0.0063 0.80 0.002 0.019 1.470
6:2 FTS 426.97 407.00 81.00 5.14 9 0.0250 0.80 0.013 0.132 2.520
PFHxS 398.94 80.10 99.10 5.47 11 0.0125 0.20 0.008 0.079 0.560
PFOA 412.97 369.00 169.00 5.48 11 0.0250 0.20 0.008 0.076 0.550
7:3 FTCA 441.00 317.00 337.00 5.83 11 0.0790 5.00 0.066 0.657 9.140
PFNA 462.96 418.90 219.00 6.25 11 0.0125 0.20 0.004 0.036 0.460
PFHpS 448.93 80.00 99.00 6.61 11 0.0125 0.20 0.010 0.095 0.870
8:2 FTS 526.96 506.95 81.05 6.63 12 0.1000 0.80 0.036 0.358 2.580
NMeFOSAA 569.97 483.00 419.00 6.95 15 0.0250 0.20 0.019 0.186 1.040
PFDA 512.96 469.00 269.05 7.00 16 0.0250 0.20 0.038 0.379 0.530
NEtFOSAA 583.98 418.95 482.95 7.25 19 0.0500 0.20 0.050 0.501 0.800
PFOS 498.93 80.00 99.05 7.40 10 0.0250 0.20 0.015 0.147 0.640
PFUnA 564.97 518.95 269.00 7.72 14 0.0250 0.20 0.007 0.069 0.440
9Cl-PF3ONS 530.90 351.00 83.10 7.96 10 0.0063 0.80 0.002 0.021 1.420
PFNS 548.93 80.05 99.00 8.15 11 0.0125 0.20 0.009 0.092 0.490
PFDoA 612.95 569.00 433.10 8.36 11 0.0125 0.20 0.007 0.074 0.370
PFOSA 497.95 78.05 168.90 8.53 15 0.0031 0.20 0.004 0.040 0.320
PFDS 598.92 80.05 98.95 8.63 11 0.0125 0.20 0.005 0.052 0.900
PFTrDA 662.95 619.00 168.95 8.74 10 0.0125 0.20 0.003 0.032 0.460
11Cl-PF3OUdS 630.89 451.00 452.95 8.87 12 0.0063 0.80 0.004 0.041 1.780
PFTeDA 712.95 668.90 169.00 9.02 11 0.0125 0.20 0.004 0.041 0.510
PFDoS 698.92 80.00 98.95 9.19 13 0.0125 0.20 0.006 0.060 0.640
NMeFOSE 555.99 58.95 N/A 9.26 12 0.0156 2.00 0.010 0.101 3.930
NMeFOSA 511.96 169.05 219.10 9.36 19 0.0250 0.20 0.032 0.317 0.410
NEtFOSE 570.00 59.05 N/A 9.45 10 0.0156 2.00 0.006 0.063 5.130
The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for CS1 was well above 10 for all analytes, easily
meeting the method’s sensitivity requirements. To determine how much lower in
concentration each of the instruments can detect, we serially diluted and analyzed
CS1. PFAS were detected at or below the limits of quantitation (LOQ) established
in EPA1633 in neat standards These data are shown in Table 2.
Silanized glass vials and silicone/polyethylene polymer caps were used to hold
PFAS standards which significantly reduced PFAS interferences compared to
other materials. Shimadzu LabSolutions Insight LCMS software was used to
quickly process the data and determine that the sensitivity would meet the
performance criteria of EPA1633 (e.g., confirm the relative standard error and
relative standard deviation were less than 20%).
2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 7.0 8.0 9.0 min
0
500000
1000000
1500000
2000000
2500000
3000000
LCMS-8060NX Parameters LC Parameters
Ion source ESI Ion Focus Column Shimadzu Scepter C18,
2.1 × 50 mm, 3 µm
Nebulizing gas 3.0 L/min Flow rate 0.4 mL/min
Heating gas 15.0 L/min Mobile phase A 2mM Ammonium
Acetate in Water
Drying gas 5.0 L/min Mobile phase B Acetonitrile
Interface Temperature 190 °C Injection volume 1 µL
DL Temperature 200°C Column oven
temperature
40 °C
Heat Block
Temperature 300°C Diluent
Methanol with 4%
water, 1% ammonium
hydroxide and 0.625%
acetic acid
Table 1. Summary of LCMS method parameters
Q 212.9000>168.9000 (-) 4.63e5
RT (min)
2.0 2.2 2.4
0.0e0
1.0e5
2.0e5
3.0e5
4.0e5
Conc.Ratio
0 100 200
Area Ratio
0
10
20
30 y = 0.1300997x + 0.007354381
R² = 0.9911610 R = 0.9955707
Q 241.0000>177.0000 (-) 2.40e5
RT (min)
2.2 2.4 2.6
0.0e0
5.0e4
1.0e5
1.5e5
2.0e5
Conc.Ratio
0 200
Area Ratio
0
1
2
3:3 FTCA
y = 0.009562491x + 0.0001144136
R² = 0.9932052 R = 0.9965968
Q 327.0000>307.0000 (-) 7.11e4
RT (min)
3.2 3.4 3.6
0.0e0
2.0e4
4.0e4
6.0e4
Conc.Ratio
0 10 20
Area Ratio
0
2
4
4-2 FTS
y = 0.2886572x + 0.01306672
R² = 0.9905024 R = 0.9952399
Q 285.0000>169.0000 (-) 2.99e6
RT (min)
3.8 4.0 4.2
0.0e0
1.0e6
2.0e6
Conc.Ratio
0 100 200
Area Ratio
0
10
20
30
40 HFPO-DA
y = 0.1888084x + 0.001658244
R² = 0.9907273 R = 0.9953528
Q 412.9000>169.0000 (-) 4.76e5
RT (min)
5.2 5.4
0.0e0
1.0e5
2.0e5
3.0e5
4.0e5
Conc.Ratio
0 25 50
Area Ratio
0
5
10
PFOA
y = 0.2150613x + 0.008414333
R² = 0.9915872 R = 0.9957847
Q 498.9500>80.0000 (-) 1.04e5
RT (min)
7.0 7.2 7.4 7.6 7.8
0.0e0
2.5e4
5.0e4
7.5e4
1.0e5
Conc.Ratio
0 25 50
Area Ratio
0
20
40
PFOS
y = 0.8785163x + 0.02294125
R² = 0.9975630 R = 0.9987807
Q 398.9500>80.1000 (-) 8.19e4
RT (min)
5.0 5.2 5.4 5.6 5.8
0.0e0
2.0e4
4.0e4
6.0e4
8.0e4
Conc.Ratio
0 25 50
Area Ratio
0
5
10
15
20 PFHxS
y = 0.3711037x + 0.001718047
R² = 0.9913654 R = 0.9956733
Q 298.9000>80.1000 (-) 6.16e5
RT (min)
3.6 3.8 4.0
0.0e0
2.0e5
4.0e5
6.0e5
Conc. Ratio
0 25 50
Area Ratio
0
10
20
30
PFBS
y = 0.5829727x - 0.0001142251
R² = 0.9923528 R = 0.9961690
PFBA 3:3 FTCA
4-2 FTS HFPO-DA
PFOA PFOS
PFHxS PFBS
5. Conclusions
The Shimadzu LCMS-8060NX was easily able to meet the LOQ requirements set by the EPA 1633
3rd draft method and Shimadzu LabSolutions Insight was used to efficiently process the acquired
data. This processing software calculated %RSD, SNR, and %RSE as required by EPA 1633.
Figure 1. Chromatograms of 1633 PFAS analytes with non- and
extracted internal standards
Figure 2. Examples of PFAS chromatograms and respective calibration curves
Table 2. Summary of LCMS acquisition parameters and performance for EPAM1633 standards.
Figure 3. Screenshot of EPAM1633 data in LabSolutions Insight software.
Reference
United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water. 3rd Draft Method 1633 Analysis of Per- and
Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Aqueous, Solid, Biosolids, and Tissue Samples by LC/MS/MS, 2022.
https://nepis.epa.gov/Exe/ZyPURL.cgi?Dockey=P101687F.txt (accessed June 1, 2023)
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